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This was the second of my “reliving my childhood” gigs that I had been to this week. Earlier in the week was the mighty Shed 7 and they pulled out a night that was just superb. To be honest I have really struggled to write this review. You need a bit of background information to really understand some of the comments that I am about to make. The Wonder Stuff was the band that got me into alternative music... |
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Although not the packed-out ‘event’ that I’m used to expecting from local DJs and promoters Colour, the World of Fox album launch/Commercially Inviable label showcase was still a success. Each of the acts delivered a unique, warm set to the appreciative crowd of friends and admirers and it was clear that everyone was enjoying themselves. It helped that tonight’s line-up were playing at the Victoria, on a stage awash with candlelight and silk flowers. |
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Two years ago I got married in Cornwall. An odd beginning for a live review you may think but I just needed to share something with you. The song we chose to play as my wife-to-be walked down the aisle was "Your Song". Not by Elton John, by Miss Kate Walsh... |
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White Rose Movement shot to the forefront of indie scene back in 2006 upon the release of their debut album, Kick. Since then, it’s all gone a little bit quiet. |
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Touring forthcoming album See Mystery Lights, YACHT are an American performance duo who explain at length where Oregon is (it's on the left, up a bit form California) and spend their set in full occupation of the stage, backed by an elaborate powerpoint... |
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You can't argue the fact that the Give It A Name tours certainly give new bands some much-needed exposure, and bring some different experiences to the audience. Tonight's lineup - VersaEmerge, Lights, Whole Wheat Bread and In This Moment - couldn't be more diverse, which as far as I'm concerned can only be a good thing. |
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What's this - I'm out on a school night? Why yes, yes I am, and I'm in the Barfly to see New York's The Walkmen play one of only three UK gigs before heading out on their US and Canadian tour with Kings of Leon... |
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"Don't mind us if there are things that pop and squeak and start on fire," says Women's vocalist Patrick Flegal at the beginning of their set. The plaid shirt- and interesting tights- wearing crowd at the Hare & Hounds don't seem alarmed at this warning, but I hold my drink a little closer... |
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Whilst the long queue waits outside in the freezing cold air, inside the 02 Academy the first of tonight’s 4 bands takes to the stage - Florence & The Machine . Spirited singer song–writer Florence Welch cuts quite a figure. She is a Titian haired beauty who immediately grabs your attention the moment she appears on the stage. They open with Between Two Lungs then My Boy Builds Coffins and the first things that strikes you is how powerful her voice is, at one point it soars above the band's instruments... |
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The Academy may have been rebranded from Carling to O2 but fear not, as they haven't changed the carpets. Or any of the signs. The crowd sticking to the carpets tonightare largely bedecked in check shirts and hair products, and the room is packed by the end of the first set. My Emergency get the room moving with their energetic pop-punk and exit the stage on a strong note and shoutalong... |
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It takes a very special act to open for The Wildhearts and have the whole crowd dancing and singing along but tonight I witnessed that very feat being accomplished. If you’ve never heard of Tragedy, let me enlighten you. Invited onto the tour by none other than Ginger from The Wildhearts himself, they’re an 8 piece band from New York City who have tapped into a niche market – as the world’s best (and probably only) Heavy Metal Tribute to the Bee Gee’s... |
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This summer, Vampire Weekend have provided the soundtrack to rained-off, middle-class barbeques up and down the country, as well as playing to their share of large festival crowds. I went to this gig with a feeling of curiosity rather than any expectation. Although I think their album is fine as background music, I couldn't conceive of a couple of thousand people packed into a venue getting all that excited about them. |
